Friday, June 28, 2013

Avionics Program Connects Students with Industry

When applying to a college program, not only should you take into account the curriculum, but also the offering’s relationships with the industry that may help you to get ahead upon graduation. At Centennial College, the avionics program (officially known as Aviation Technician – Avionics Maintenance) results in an Ontario College Diploma, and holds the following accreditations: Transport Canada accreditation for 18 months experience credit and technical examination credit towards the issue of a Canadian Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) Licence; and Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace accreditation for recognition towards meeting the basic training requirements for CCAA occupational trade certification as an Avionics Maintenance Technician.

In addition to industry partnerships, consider the level of commitment a college program wants from its students. The higher the standards, the better it will reflect on your resume once you graduate. At this aviation technician school program, students must achieve a minimum C grade in all courses. Transport Canada accreditation requires both a minimum B grade in every course, and an absentee rate of less than five per cent of the total program hours. Graduates who meet attendance requirements, project completion requirements, and attain 70 per cent in each course, are granted up to 18 months credit towards their Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’s licence (E rating).

These accreditations and requirements demonstrate how well established this avionics program is in the aviation industry; but exactly what type of training is offered to students? First and foremost, time in the avionics program is a balance of theory and lab training with shop work on various aircraft, learning basic electronics and sophisticated avionic systems used in modern aircraft and becoming comfortable with the aircraft’s various electronic systems. Specific topics include: theory of flight, aircraft publications, aircraft applied mathematics, turbine engines, airframe systems, avionics installation practices and much more. Secondly, training within the avionics program is based at Ashtonbee Campus, the province’s largest transportation training centre. As such, students have the advantage of accessing an airport hangar, airplanes and modern equipment reflecting the current trends in the industry. Thirdly, guiding avionics program students are faculty members who are highly skilled, with years of experience and extensive technical expertise. Aside from faculty, partners and supporters of the avionics program are members of Centennial College’s advisory committees and participate as guest speakers and panelists, sharing their knowledge and expertise for the benefit and enhancement of the program.

Applicants to this aviation technician school program must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or General Education Development or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, they must possess the English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent and Math 11M or U or 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent.

The avionics technician industry, in which aviation technician school grads are employed, oversees the maintenance of engine operations, flight patterns, navigation systems, radio communications and weather radar systems; inspects, tests and double-checks electrical power distribution, and controls flight instrumentation.

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